Festival Preview: Outlines 2016

Outlines is a new inner-city music and arts festival for the winter months.

Sheffield’s infamous Tramlines has turned from a once fledgling shindig to one of the UK’s biggest urban festivals with a multitude of venues, including an enormous main stage at Ponderosa Park. It’s no surprise then, that there is now room for a new festival in the city, with a focus on Sheffield’s more intimate venues and perhaps slightly more obscure acts from wider genres.

The first Outlines Festival will take place this weekend in various city venues including Plug, The Harley and Skate Central, a roller rink in the heart of town which will play host to The Big Moon, PINS and post-punk legends (and northern heroes) Gang of Four.

The Big Moon at Tramlines 2015

Also at Skate Central will be the latest addition of TOY. Head of Programming Kate Hewett says: “We’re thrilled to have added the incredible TOY to the lineup. The roller disco at Skate Central – where TOY will appear alongside Gang of Four – is set to be a real highlight of the festival and it’s great to be able to give music-lovers the chance to catch some bands in a space that’s a bit out of the ordinary.”

Other acts to watch are Indiehive faves Spring King (at The Harley), the baritone wonders of Wichita’s Oscar (Queen’s Social Club) and the super-smooth electro stylings of Shura (also at Queen’s). The festival will include screenings of short films, programmed in collaboration with Sensoria Festival of film and music and Bloc Projects.